How to Make New England Baked Beans

bacon

🥗Healthier: smoked turkey

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Smoked turkey reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

molasses

🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: honey

Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness with fewer calories.

Soak dried navy beans in water overnight to rehydrate.

Preheat the oven to 300°F.

Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then place them in a large pot.

Cover the beans with fresh water and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until beans are tender but not mushy.

In a separate bowl, combine molasses, brown sugar, mustard, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic.

Mix the molasses mixture into the beans, adding chopped onion and bay leaves.

Layer the bacon on top of the bean mixture.

Cover the pot and bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Check beans for doneness; they should be thick and creamy.

If the beans are too dry, add a little water as needed during baking.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens